6 Ways to Get Through Difficult Times

After the shooting in Uvalde, Texas, unless you have become numb, I imagine everyone felt something when we heard the fate of the teachers and students in Robb Elementary School. A day filled with anticipation for a morning awards ceremony, classes being finished, and summer vacation around the corner turns to sorrow. Our daughter, Leah, only lived to be ten days. She was our first child. While I did not have a long period of memories with her, I also grieved the dream of raising her after her death. I can’t imagine families’ loss after loving someone for many years. At times like this, I am thankful I have only needed faith the size of a mustard seed. Jesus tells us in Matthew 17:20, “For I assure you: If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (HCSB) For those amid grief, the mountain they have to move may just be getting up in the morning.

Prayer

I have often heard the verse about mustard seed faith, but the verse that follows explains how. It says, “However, this kind does not come out except by prayer and fasting.”(Matthew 17:21, HCSB) By praying through the day you can’t make sense of, you can make it to the next. I have often just prayed, “God, give me strength.” Prayer helps, no matter how simple it is. Looking back, I see that was a sign of mustard-size faith because I questioned everything during that time. (Why? How could You let this happen? Are You there?)

Journal

Journaling is a wonderful outlet. It is not easy to talk through some emotions. Journaling does not have to be a “Dear Diary” thing. All you need is a blank page and a pen. Write words or statements, or draw a representation of your feelings and thoughts. The important thing is getting what is built up inside on paper. This helps us work through what is going on.

Positive Peeps

Be aware of the people and influences you let in. Limit the time you spend around negative people. They will only drain your emotions and bring you down with them. It may be hard to be around bubbly personalities when you are not feeling it, but try to surround yourself with more positive people.

After our daughter died, we were invited to a couple’s home on several occasions for parties. While it wasn’t always easy to go, it was good for us to have the distraction. I’m thankful for them now.

Self Care

The first thing I want to do is turn to sugary foods for that momentary good feeling. Bring on the ice cream, and chocolate chased down with a soda! I know the sugar high will not last, and I will not appreciate the results on these hips over time. So I have to hit reset and remind myself it is important to take care of yourself!

Hitting reset can be eating clean most of the time, getting sleep, and moving. While staying in bed is great for many, try getting into a regular sleep schedule when life is tough. Your body will thank you. Moving can be taking a walk to the mailbox every day. Just getting outside in the sunshine helps! The more you move your body, the better it will make you feel.

Music

Listening to music may not apply to everyone, but it can help. There are so many opportunities to listen to different genres of music now for free. Spotify and iHeart Radio are a couple of places that can be explored to find the music that lifts your spirits. Listening to music can get you out of the headspace you are in. Classical music can relax or listen to songs that make you want to move. Dancing can bring joy in the darkness, so dance it out!

Talk to Someone

Lastly, seek help. Talk to your doctor, a therapist, or a pastor if you cannot find your way to a happier or more peaceful place. There are people who care and want to help. Opening up can make anyone feel vulnerable. Taking a chance with those that care will bring hope and healing.

Each one of us grieves and works through difficult times differently. While we don’t understand some behaviors during those times, be patient with the person or yourself. Take each day or moment as it comes. Remember, it only takes faith the size of that mustard seed to take the next step, and we get through it with prayer.